Movie reviews

SNEKKER ANDERSEN OG DEN VESLE BYGDA SOM GLOMTE AT DET VAR JUL (FORGOTTEN CHRISTMAS)

Watchable. The set-up is a hamlet of awfully forgetful people. This unusual plot is marred by partly inadequate cast and by Polish dubbing. The film has all the Christmas atmosphere: a quaint village covered in snow, an Advent calendar, a big Christmas tree and people, Norwegian way, dancing round it. And here comes Santa - one of the worst ever: looking like a drunk and speaking, in Polish dubbing at least, in high pitch. Some other dwellers look and act too hostile for a tale for children. The quirky story saves the picture though. And you also get to hear a Norwegian Christmas song. 

ANIMAL

Recommended. Even the opening of this documentary consists of gruesome images of animals being killed. But the documentary is much more than the shock factor. Some serious food for thought about humanity.

HUMAN DOC

NOWE MIASTO

Recommended. A beautifully shot documentary about a futuristic project of moving Metro Manila to New Clark City, i.e. protecting the capital from earthquakes and typhoons while creating a smart city without current problems of Manila like traffic congestion or smog. But the dazzling facade hides very basic problems of resettling the deprived. Will the poor foot the bill of this amazing transformation? And who'll benefit? The documentary asks valid rhetorical questions.

UKRAINA! FILM FESTIVAL

ПЛОХИЕ ДОРОГИ (BAD ROADS)

Switched off. It drags and consists of people standing and talking or sitting and talking in humdrum voices, going round in circles on whatever the conversation subject is. 

ZHANYM, TY NE POVERISH! (SWEETIE, YOU WON'T BELIEVE IT)

Switched off. Remember "Borat! Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan"? This actually Kazakh comedy represents the same level as the American flick of 2006 which mocked the Kazakh nation. Gross, less sexual, more class B horror style brutal, yet equally dumb. 

Reviewed from the distributor's screener, cinematic reception might differ.

RIFKIN'S FESTIVAL

Watchable. Woody Allen dissects romantic relationships again. The lead is a neurotic man who's into classical black and white movies which he relives as his night dreams mixed with his own fears. So, if you're fond of French or Swedish classics, you can play spotting the references. But at face value it's just your regular Woody Allen all over again. With summertime San Sebastian in the background.